joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
Synonyms of joyfulnext
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy
a joyful crowd
joyful faces
a joyful occasion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news. the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And a joyful reminder that sometimes the best way to ring in the new year is right on time for nap schedules. Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025 The freeways were empty and the crowds were joyful. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025 During that call, Patricia said the couple seemed joyful and were joking around. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn got engaged after five years of dating, marking a joyful new chapter for the country icon, who has been open about finding love again later in life. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joyful

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joyful was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Joyful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joyful. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective
joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl How to pronounce joyful (audio)
: feeling, causing, or showing joy
a joyful family reunion
joyfully adverb
joyfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on joyful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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